Particle emissions from a domestic pellets-fired boiler

Abstract The main purpose of the present work was to quantify and characterize morphologically and chemically the emissions of particulate matter (PM) from a domestic pellet-fired boiler during steady-state operation for different boiler thermal inputs. The PM quantification was made with the aid of a low pressure three-stage cascade impactor and the PM characterization using SEM/EDS analysis (scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry). The measured PM emissions varied between ≈ 160 mg/Nm 3 @13% O 2 and ≈ 490 mg/Nm 3 @13% O 2 , being the emissions mainly dominated by particles with sizes below 2.5 μm and above 10 μm regardless of the thermal input. The SEM analyses revealed the presence of ultra fine (